What Are the Most Common Crashes in Kansas?

Kansas Crash Facts from 2016 to 2020

Each day, millions of vehicle miles are traveled in Kansas by people commuting to and from work, going on road trips, or running errands. Although no one anticipates being involved in a collision, with so many motorists on the road, this is a reality for thousands of drivers and passengers each year.

From 2016 to 2020, Kansas averaged 60,602 motor vehicle accidents. When examining this data from the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT), there are many consistencies throughout this five-year period. Keep reading to learn more about the different circumstances that occur most frequently in these car crashes.

Driver Error Contributes to Most Crashes

Throughout the study time period, the top five contributing circumstances related to crashes were driver inattention, animals, right of way violations, following too closely, and speeding. On average, these five factors were involved in 56.42% of crashes, with the four “driver error” categories making up about 43.56%.

It’s important to note that these driver errors are all preventable when remaining attentive to the road and reducing speeds. Likewise, when driving at night, especially in rural areas, drivers should be mindful to slow down and check for animals that could likely dart into the road.

Over 20% of Crashes Result in Injury

In terms of crash severity, Kansas had about 12,865 injury crashes on average in this period. This makes up about 21.2% of crashes in the state. In contrast, there was an average of only about 379 fatalities.

The fatal crash rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled was on a steady decline until 2020. And despite about 5 billion fewer vehicle miles traveled during this year, there was a 6% increase in fatal crashes. Although there is not a definitive answer for why fatal crashes increased during this time, incident rates of speeding were much higher, which likely was a contributing factor.

More Fatal Crashes Occur in Rural Areas

KDOT defines urban areas as those with more than 5,000 people within the boundary lines. Considering this distinction, it makes sense that over 60% of crashes occur in these areas. However, higher rates of fatal crashes occur in rural areas. In 2016, about 62.7% of fatal crashes happened in a rural area.

There may be several reasons why this is the case. Higher speed limits on highways and less traffic are likely contributing factors. Additionally, rural areas may have much lower law enforcement and emergency response presence, increasing the amount of time it would take for someone to arrive on the scene of a crash.

SUVs are Involved in Second Highest Number of Crashes Annually

KDOT distinguishes between vehicle types when reporting crash data. Although standard cars are involved in the most crashes each year, sports utility vehicles (SUVs) have the second-highest number, averaging about 19,526 crashes annually.

Considering this, it may be easy to assume that there are just more SUVs registered in the state; however, this is not the case. Recent reports show that the Ford F-150 is the most popular vehicle in Kansas when looking at new and used car sales.

Nearly 10% of Fatal Crashes Involved Motorcycles

Despite making up less than 1% of vehicles involved in traffic crashes, motorcycles account for about 10% of fatalities on average. Many reasons can contribute to this. For one, motorcycles provide very little protection to the rider, and even if they are wearing all the appropriate safety gear, it may not be enough to completely reduce the risk of severe injuries.

Additionally, motorcyclists are more vulnerable to being hit by other vehicles because they are much smaller and can be harder to see. It’s important for all drivers to be aware of their surroundings and always check twice for motorcycles before changing lanes or making a turn.

Learn more: How Cars Cause Motorcycle Crashes

Tips for Crash Prevention

The best way to prevent crashes is to be a defensive driver. This means being aware of your surroundings, obeying all traffic laws, and not driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Don’t forget to put away any distractions so you can focus on the task of driving.

It’s also important to always buckle up and make sure everyone in your vehicle is properly restrained before setting out on your trip. This has proven to be one of the most effective ways to reduce the possibility of sustaining fatal injuries in a crash.

Kansas Car Accident Attorneys Protecting Your Future

The team at Bretz Injury Law is here to help all Kansas drivers seek justice for injuries sustained in a crash with a negligent driver. Backed by 30 years of experience, Attorney Matthew L. Bretz has what it takes to help you achieve a successful result. Get started today by calling to schedule a free consultation.

What are the ‘100 Deadliest Days of Summer’?

As the summer season approaches, families anticipate some much-needed rest and relaxation. However, this time of year does not come without its downsides. A phenomenon known as the “100 deadliest days of summer” reminds parents to encourage teen drivers to practice defensive driving techniques whenever possible.

What are the “100 Deadliest Days”?

This term refers to the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day when teen drivers are most likely to be involved in a fatal car accident. Data from AAA found that from 2010 to 2019, an average of seven teens sustained fatal injuries each day during this period.

Local governments around the country often launch annual campaigns regarding these 100 days, highlighting certain risk factors that may make these crashes more likely. Some of these risk factors include increased traffic on the roads, driving under the influence, and distractions such as cell phones. With this increased risk, it’s important to have thoughtful conversations about teen driver safety.

Tips for Teen Drivers

There are several things that teen drivers can do to stay safe during this time. First, it is important to always wear a seatbelt and encourage passengers to do the same. Additionally, teens should avoid driving late at night or early in the morning when fatigue is more likely to set in.

Parents may also consider having a conversation with their teen about responsible driving habits such as obeying the speed limit and avoiding distractions. If you are teaching your child how to drive during this time of year, take the opportunity to model these behaviors and discuss the importance of keeping safety at the forefront.

Kansas Car Accident Attorneys

Keeping loved ones safe is always a priority, and the team at Bretz Injury Law understands that a loss can be devastating for the whole family. If you are seeking a car accident attorney for the loss of a loved one, we can help you pursue justice and secure your future. Schedule a free consultation today by calling .

Why are Road Fatalities Increasing in Kansas?

Highway Fatality Rate Increased by 19% in 2020

As part of the state’s Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP), the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) annually releases a performance report that highlights the changes in roadway accident severity year-over-year. The most recent report, released in 2021, showed that the fatality rate for the last five years has been trending significantly higher than previously. From 2019 to 2020, the fatality rate increased by about 19%; however, since 2012, the average year-over-year has only been about +2.56%.

So what is causing this steady increase? Here are a few factors to consider:

Accident Locations

When looking at the five-year averages of factors influencing the number of fatalities on Kansas roads, where accidents are occurring plays a large role. Comparing 2012-2016 to 2016-2020 shows that there is a steady increase among accidents at intersections, local roads, and on roads with horizontal curves.

Driver Age

The reports indicate that older drivers and pedestrians are increasingly becoming more involved in accidents resulting in severe injuries and fatalities, while the teen rates are actually decreasing. Comparing the five-year averages from 2012-2016 and 2016-2020, the number of fatalities among individuals aged 65+ are 90 and 109.6, respectively.

Vehicles Involved

Motorcycles/mopeds and large commercial vehicles involved in fatal accidents have also increased since 2012. For motorcyclists/mopeds, the five-year average number of fatalities was 46 from 2012-2016, while this has increased to 55.6 from 2016-2020; for commercial vehicles, these numbers are 64 and 81.2, respectively.

Looking ahead to 2022, the state is aiming for a fatality rate of 1.28, which would be about a 15.6% decrease from 2020. Although KDOT estimates that it is on track to achieve this, the statewide changes from 2021 (like return to in-person schooling and lifting curfews) may influence how effective the new HSIP may be.

Kansas Car Accident Attorneys

Since 1997, Bretz Injury Law has been dedicated to protecting the rights of injured individuals throughout Kansas. With seven convenient office locations, you can get the legal assistance you deserve when you need it most. Schedule a free consultation today by calling .

10 things you should do after a car accident in Kansas

Bad car accidents happen fast and often seem to come out of nowhere. Following a collision with another motorist, most accident victims are unsure of what to do next.

Car accident injuries such as broken bones (fractures), back pain, and head injuries often take months or longer to heal. Many people have to miss work during this time, and some people will never be able to return to their jobs in the same capacity as before their injury.

Hopefully, you never get into an accident, but if you do, it’s best to be ready. If you get into a car accident in Kansas, there are some steps you can take that will help you in your pursuit of fair financial compensation.

Make no mistake: Leaving money on the table after an accident puts you and your family at risk. Crippling medical debt, years of financial struggle, and having to make difficult decisions between your health and paying bills are real results of taking a too-small settlement.

If you were injured in a car accident, get a free case consultation with Kansas’ trusted law firm, Bretz Injury Law. In the meantime, here are some general best practices you can use after a car crash.

What to do after a Kansas car accident

The following are recommendations from the Kansas Bar Association on what to do after a wreck. Understanding Kansas accident law, your rights, which evidence to collect, and when to stay quiet can help you build a strong claim from the start.

Stop

Never drive away from the scene of an accident. If you have been in an accident or felt your vehicle go over a “bump,” it is best to stop. Do not move your vehicle before the police arrive unless it is blocking traffic. If someone is injured, and you are able to, try and help them.

Report it

Call 911 and alert the police. Alert your insurance company as soon as you are able. Under the law, you must inform police when an accident causes injury or at least $1,500 in property damage.

ID the other driver

The police will take this information down, but it doesn’t hurt for you to have the other person’s name, address, city, state, zip, car tag number, driver’s license number, and insurance company policy number. Kansas law requires all drivers in an accident to provide this information.

Locate witnesses

Police will take witness statements, but they can still miss people. Some witnesses cannot stay to wait for the police to arrive. There are some people who will decline to make a statement to the police but will be happy to help you with your claim. Write down witness names, addresses, and contact information. Ask them what they saw.

Record the names of everyone in the crash

Make a note of the names, addresses, and contact information for every passenger, cyclist, pedestrian, motorcyclist, trucker, etc. in the accident.

Make a timeline

Start writing down everything you can remember about the accident as soon as possible, even while you’re still at the crash site. No matter how hard we may try, memories become fuzzy with time, and details get confused. It is best to record the incident when the moment is fresh in your mind. Make sure to include information like time, place, clothing, speed, actions prior to the crash, among other details.

Just the facts

The immediate aftermath of a car accident is no time to make an official statement to the police or insurance companies. You are almost certainly in shock, and that will affect your ability to communicate clearly. While you must cooperate with police and insurance agents, you do not have to ruin your claim by making hasty statements. Provide authorities with basic information. Tell them you will be in contact with more information soon. To protect your legal rights and interests, you should speak with a lawyer before making a statement.

ID the police

You may have questions later on. If that happens you will want to speak with officers who were at the accident. It is a good idea to take down the names, departments, and badge numbers of the responding police officers. This information is also available on the accident report that’s generated by the police.

See a doctor

If there is an emergency medical technician at the accident, let them examine you. If you are not transported from the scene to a hospital, you will want to see a doctor right away. Even if you were checked at the crash and feel “okay,” see a doctor. Injuries don’t always present themselves immediately, and even the best EMT in Kansas can miss an injury amid the confusion and chaos of an accident. A doctor will have more time and equipment available to give you a thorough examination.

Call a lawyer

An experienced car accident lawyer will be able to help you pursue compensation for your injuries and other compensable damages. A lawyer can investigate your accident, collect evidence, file persuasive reports and documents under deadlines, and negotiate with the insurance company for a fair financial settlement.

Protect your legal rights after a crash in Kansas

It is vital that you consult a lawyer after a car accident. You need to get the most money possible for your injuries, otherwise, you may end up paying for expensive treatments out of your own pocket. A lot of people think they can’t afford a lawyer, but you absolutely can.

At Bretz Injury Law we offer accident victims free case consultations. We can help you understand how the law applies to your case and the value of your claim. Our legal team can help you weigh your legal options for free and with no obligation to hire us.

Our firm serves all of Kansas and our attorneys work on contingency. That means there is no upfront money, retainer, or hourly rate for you to pay. Our fee is added to your final settlement or verdict and paid for by the insurance companies. If we don’t win, we don’t get paid.

Call or email us today to learn more. We have offices in Hutchinson, Wichita, Salina, Garden City, Dodge City, Liberal, and Hays, and we are ready to hear from you now.

Wichita woman dies in hit-and-run

Attorney explains how the legal system works for families in Kansas

A Wichita woman recently died due to injuries sustained in a pedestrian hit-and-run accident. The tragedy prompted city officials to make changes to the area where the fatal pedestrian accident took place, according to KWCH 12 News.

Many cities and states have made similar efforts to reduce the number of hit-and-run and pedestrian accidents. Both types of accidents are on the rise and remain a serious problem nationwide. That’s according to a pedestrian accident attorney in Wichita who deals with these types of cases throughout Kansas.

The recent fatal hit-and-run pedestrian accident happened on a Saturday night in early June near Douglas and Greenwood Streets in Wichita. The pedestrian died six days later in a Wichita hospital as a result of her injuries.

The driver who allegedly caused the fatal pedestrian accident and left the crash scene was later located by police. He was arrested and charged with hit and run and aggravated battery. The accident remains under investigation and the official charges against the driver may be amended, police told KWCH 12 News.

How common are pedestrian accidents?

Despite continued efforts to educate drivers and the public at large about the dangers vehicles pose to pedestrians, the number of pedestrian accidents and fatalities has continued to rise in recent years.

Safety officials were alarmed in 2019 when pedestrian fatalities hit a 30-year high that year. A total of 6,590 pedestrians died that year in accidents, an increase of 5 percent compared to 2018 and the most pedestrian deaths in a single year since 1988, according to statistics compiled by The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) as reported by Car & Driver.

The next year, that figure climbed even higher. According to initial estimates provided by the GHSA, an estimated 6,721 pedestrians were killed in 2020, an increase of 131 deaths or 1.9 percent compared to 2019, even though there were fewer drivers on the road last year due to the worldwide pandemic.

How common are hit-and-run accidents?

Hit-and-run accidents might seem rare, but they have become even more common in recent years. Hit-and-run accidents account for 5 percent of all traffic fatalities, according to statistics compiled by the AAA Foundation For Traffic Safety. In addition, fatalities associated with hit-and-run accidents have been increasing by roughly 7 percent each year on average in recent years.

As a result, there are an estimated 737,000 hit-and-run accidents each year nationwide. That’s roughly one such accident every 43 seconds. While police do sometimes catch the drivers as they did in the recent case in Kansas, some drivers are never caught. This leaves injury victims and their families to deal with many complicated legal issues that often arise in such cases.

How can a lawyer help?

Pedestrian accidents – especially ones involving hit-and-run drivers – can be complicated legal cases in which many different legal issues arise. The driver who caused the accident might not be located or claim they didn’t do anything wrong. Insurance companies for the at-fault driver can be just hard to deal with after a pedestrian accident. That’s because injury claims often add up to thousands of dollars or significantly more. As a result, insurance companies often do everything they can to avoid paying claims.

The experienced attorneys at Bretz Injury Law in Kansas can help you every step of the way. We know exactly what evidence to look for after an accident. Whether it’s carefully reviewing traffic camera footage, tracking down witnesses, or consulting with accident reconstruction experts, we leave no stone unturned in pursuit of the truth. Discover what we can do for you. Contact us and schedule your free case evaluation today. Our law firm has several offices conveniently located throughout Kansas, including offices in Wichita and Hutchinson.

Most drivers exceed the speed limit despite the risks, study finds

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know how dangerous speeding is. Speed-related crashes account for roughly a quarter of all Kansas traffic fatalities. Drivers who exceed the posted speed limit have less time to stop or react to an impending crash. For instance, a speeding driver will have a difficult time avoiding a crash when highway traffic suddenly comes to a stop or when a pedestrian is crossing the street. Additionally, the faster a driver travels, the more serious the damage and injuries will be when a crash occurs.

survey conducted by SurveyGizmo in October 2020 found that drivers still travel at dangerous speeds despite knowing the risks. The survey involved more than 1,200 drivers age 18-85 across the United States and was published on the insurance marketplace site The Zebra.

Most drivers admit to speeding

The survey concluded that 87 percent of drivers have driven too fast a few times within a year, yet 82 percent agreed that it’s risky. When asked how they felt about speeding:

  • 35% of participants said that it is never acceptable to speed.
  • 79% believed that it’s only unacceptable in school zones.
  • 64% believed that it’s never acceptable when a child is in the car.
  • 16% said they don’t speed if they feel that their safety is in jeopardy.

Not surprisingly, survey respondents didn’t consider speeding as the number one risky driving behavior. Instead, drunk driving, distracted driving, and road rage were seen as more dangerous by most respondents. In reality, speeding was ranked the most dangerous driving behavior with a crash fatality rate of 17 percent (based on crash data). That was followed by drunk driving (10 percent fatality rate), road rage (5 percent fatality rate), and distracted driving (5 percent fatality rate).

Common injuries caused by speed-related crashes

The posted speed limits we see on roads and highways are there for the safety of all road users. Yet some drivers view them as a mere inconvenience and never recognize the risks they take until they cause someone’s injury or death. Those who survive high-speed crashes often must undergo surgery and months of physical therapy. Some never make a full recovery. The most common injuries we see at Bretz & Young are:

  • Serious head injuries
  • Bone fractures
  • Debilitating spinal injuries
  • Internal organ damage
  • Paralysis
  • Amputations
  • Long-term nerve damage

Why hire an attorney after a speed-related crash?

If you or a loved one sustained injuries in a crash caused by a speeding driver, there should be no question as to who was at fault. Unfortunately, determining fault and pursuing a claim isn’t as easy as it sounds. The story could change very quickly and evidence can disappear. Additionally, the at-fault driver’s insurance company may try to shift the blame on to you or try to offer you less money than you’re eligible for.

It’s critical that you take your case seriously from day one. Get prompt medical attention, even if you feel fine. You may learn that you sustained an injury, but didn’t feel any pain due to adrenaline and shock. Then, speak to an experienced Kansas car accident lawyer at Bretz & Young. We can help sort out your case and gather the evidence we need to prove that the other driver was at fault. We’ll also deal directly with the insurance companies and negotiate for a fair and full financial settlement.

When you hire our law firm, you can count on us to fight for the best possible outcome for you and your family. Contact us online or call us to set up your free and confidential case consultation.

Kansas highways getting more dangerous, according to KHP

Traffic fatalities in Kansas have been on the rise — not only in 2019, but also in 2020. Statistics released by the NHTSA showed a 1.5 percent increase in traffic fatalities across Kansas from 2018 to 2019, while most of the nation saw a slight decrease. The rise in traffic fatalities didn’t stop because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to KSNT, there were 367 traffic fatalities in 2020 throughout Kansas as of November 11th — yet the total death toll won’t be released by the NHTSA for another year. That still accounts for five percent more road deaths than the same time in 2019.

Kansas Highway Patrol blames distracted driving, speeding and deer crossing for more accidents

Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) Superintendent Colonel Herman T. Jones believes distracted driving is to blame.

At 55 mph, texting and driving for five seconds is the equivalent of traveling more than the length of a football field with your eyes closed.

“A lot can happen in that time,” said Jones.

Distracted driving continues to be a leading cause of serious and fatal crashes. This is despite texting and driving being illegal for Kansas drivers. Inattention isn’t just limited to cellphones, however. Any activity that takes drivers’ hands off the wheel, eyes off the road, or attention away from driving can significantly increase the risk of a crash.

In addition, KHP Lieutenant Candace Breshears cited an increase in speeding since the COVID-19 pandemic started in March. The rise in dangerous speeding during 2020 was believed to be caused by a lack of traffic congestion. This was due to pandemic guidelines. Law enforcement officers across the U.S. have caught drivers traveling at speeds greater than 100 mph, which is more than enough to cause a serious catastrophe.

Many of the fatal crashes this year have involved deer crossing the road, according to Kansas Department of Transportation traffic safety program manager Chris Bortz. Some drivers swerve to avoid hitting a deer and end up driving off the road or causing a head-on collision.

“Right or left, doesn’t matter. Obviously, if you’re leaving left, you could be impacting another vehicle. Right, you’re going to get in an area that was not meant for driving, so once again, stay in your lane and hit the deer,” said Bortz.

Drivers have a duty to stay attentive and use caution on Kansas roadways

No matter what the conditions are, drivers still have a duty to uphold to others on the road. You or a loved one may have been injured in a crash due to someone else’s negligence. It is important that you know your rights. Don’t let the insurance companies dictate the outcome of your car accident case.

The legal team at Bretz & Young Injury Lawyers knows how to look for the facts and help injured motorists build strong cases. You may be dealing with whiplash or a catastrophic injury. We’ll work to place an accurate value on your case and fight to help you get the compensation you deserve. We have law offices conveniently located across the state of Kansas and offer free legal consultations for all injury claims. Contact our law firm online or call one of our offices to get started.

What are my rights if I’m a passenger who was injured in a crash in Kansas?

Passengers can do very little to avoid being involved in a crash. In many cases, they’re injured because of the actions of another driver, or perhaps because of the actions of the driver of the vehicle in which the passenger is riding.

Crashes causing passenger injuries aren’t always clear-cut. There is often a lot of confusion regarding who was at fault and who is responsible for paying for damages. If you’re a passenger who was injured in a crash, you may be wondering who will pay for your medical bills and other damages accrued in the crash. The short answer is the insurance companies, but it’s much more complex than you think. The best way to learn about your legal options is to speak to an experienced Kansas car accident lawyer.

How passengers are compensated after a crash

Kansas is a “no-fault” car insurance state, which means that all motor vehicle owners are required to purchase personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. The purpose of PIP is to prevent Kansas courtrooms from becoming flooded with car accident cases while allowing injured motorists to recover minor damages. If you own a car, your PIP coverage applies regardless of whether you’re driving your own car, driving someone else’s car, or a passenger. If you don’t own a vehicle and, therefore, don’t have PIP coverage, don’t worry. You can still recover damages from the PIP policy on the vehicle in which you were a passenger. PIP coverage pays for medical costs, wage loss, rehabilitation, in-home assistance, and funeral expenses.

In Kansas, the minimum PIP coverage requirements include:

  • $4,500 per person for medical expenses
  • $900 per month for one year for disability and/or loss of income
  • $25 per day for in-home services
  • $2,000 for funeral, burial or cremation expenses
  • $4,500 for rehabilitation expenses

What if my damages exceed the PIP policy limit?

After seeing a doctor, you may find out that your injuries were more serious than you initially thought. You may learn that you need an operation and months of physical therapy before you can recover. In this case, you will need to pursue damages from the at-fault driver’s insurance company, whether it’s your driver or the driver of another car that caused your crash.

In order to pursue damages from the at-fault driver’s insurance company, you will need to prove that your injuries were the direct result of negligence. This is where an in-depth investigation needs to be conducted by an experienced Kansas car accident lawyer. Without an investigation, there is no way to determine who was at fault. Without evidence, it’s solely your word against the at-fault party’s word.

Personal injury lawyers serving all Kansans

Here is what a lawyer can do for you:

  • Work with a crash reconstruction expert to examine physical evidence from the crash scene.
  • Interview witnesses and cross-reference their statements with other pieces of evidence.
  • Examine the official police report.
  • Examine your medical records and official injury diagnosis.
  • Check surveillance camera footage and cellphone records, if these pieces of evidence are available.

Whether your recovering damages from your own insurance company or the at-fault driver’s insurance company, you should get a strong legal advocate on your side who can help you recover every dollar you’re entitled to. Insurance companies often use a slew of dirty tricks to pay you as little as possible. The legal team at Bretz & Young Injury Lawyers can help you recover it all. We have a vast amount of legal knowledge and experience dealing directly with insurance companies. To find out how we can help you, contact us by phone, email or online and schedule your free, no-obligation legal consultation.

Common types of crash-related injuries that require surgery

Crash-related injuries range from minor to severe and sometimes won’t heal without surgery. Even if you manage to walk away from a crash without any immediate pain, you may later learn that you sustained an injury that requires surgery. Learning that you need surgery is often a frightening experience. In addition to a costly and lengthy recovery, you may be out of work and unable to earn a living until your injuries heal.

Our attorneys discuss the most common types of injuries that result in crash victims needing surgery to make a full recovery. If you’re unsure about what course of action to take after a crash, reach out to an experienced Kansas car accident attorney who can help you weigh your legal options.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI)

TBIs result from blows to the head or violent shaking that causes damage to the brain. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), car accidents are the second leading cause of TBIs, accounting for 20 percent of them. Most crash-related TBIs, such as concussions, are relatively minor and can heal with minimal treatment and long-term rest.

Severe TBIs that often require surgery include:

  • Open-head (puncture) head injuries
  • Skull fractures
  • Brain hemorrhages (internal bleeding)
  • Brain hematomas (brain swelling)
  • Diffuse axonal injury (twisting or shifting of brain tissue within the skull)

Compound or multiple bone fractures

A compound fracture occurs when the force of a crash causes a bone to break into two pieces. Sometimes, bones shatter or break in multiple places. During surgery, a surgeon realigns the bones and installs pins, screws and metal plates to hold them into place. After surgery, it can take a minimum of 6-8 weeks for a broken bone to heal. It could take longer, depending on the overall health or age of a patient.

Injuries to the neck, back and spine

The impact of a crash often causes injuries to the neck, back and spine. Sometimes, discs become herniated or vertebrae become dislodged. Crash victims often suffer severe pain, weakness and loss of mobility when damage is inflicted on the spine. Surgery is often required to restore mobility and prevent permanent damage to the spine. Common types of spinal surgery include:

  • Spinal fusion — merging two vertebrae together
  • Laminectomy — removing parts of vertebrae to treat spinal stenosis
  • Foraminotomy — removing parts of vertebrae to reduce pain caused by a compressed nerve
  • Diskectomy — removing part of a disc to treat a herniated or slipped disc

Internal injuries

Injuries to internal organs are often life-threatening and result from violent shaking, blunt force trauma or penetration injuries. The most vital organs include the lungs, heart, liver, spleen and kidneys. Damage to these organs often requires prompt emergency surgery. Otherwise, they can get worse and lead to serious health complications or death.

Soft tissue injuries

Sprains and strains to the muscles, tendons and ligaments may heal with minimal treatment and rest. When soft tissue becomes torn during a crash, it often won’t heal on its own. People who sustain soft tissue injuries often experience intense pain, swelling, bruising and loss of mobility.

Contact our Kansas law firm for help with your surgery claim

If you were injured in a crash caused by another driver’s negligence, the experienced attorneys at Bretz & Young Injury Lawyers can help you get the justice you deserve. Our legal team can launch a thorough investigation into your crash and work with the other driver’s insurance company for a fair financial settlement. You only need to focus on your recovery. In addition to your medical expenses, we’ll help you get compensated for wage loss, property damage, pain and suffering, and other damages.

There is no need to worry about the cost of hiring an attorney. Our law firm offers free and confidential legal consultations and we operate on a contingency fee basis. That means you don’t pay unless we win your case. We serve clients across the state of Kansas. Contact us online or call us to find out how we can help you.

How to obtain and read a copy of your Kansas car accident report

When the police respond to a crash, they conduct a comprehensive investigation and document the details in a five-page car accident report. Your Kansas car accident report is a critical piece of evidence when pursuing a claim. It can provide non-biased details pertaining to how your crash occurred.

Sometimes, the police make errors when filling out these reports. That’s why it’s important that you always review your car accident report to ensure that all information is accurate. Here’s what you’ll find in your report.

How to read your Kansas car accident report

Page 1 — basic information

The first page on your Kansas car accident report will contain the basic information pertaining to your crash. This includes:

Top section:

  • The department and officer(s) who investigated your crash
  • Date, time, location, and road type where the crash occurred
  • If the crash resulted in a fatality, injury or property damage only
  • Vehicles involved and the names and contact information of the owners
  • If the crash occurred in a work zone

Bottom section:

  • Conditions at the time of the crash (lighting, weather, surface type, and surface conditions)
  • Crash location (intersection or non-intersection), intersection type, and road features
  • Type of crash (for example, a collision with another car, pedestrian, bicyclists or fixed object)
  • If a fixed object was hit
  • What traffic controls were present at the time of the crash (if any)

Page 2 — the crash diagram

The second page of your report will include an illustrated diagram of how the police believed your crash occurred. The diagram will include:

  • The direction both cars were traveling and/or positioned at the time of the crash
  • Any intersections that were involved (both signalized and non-signalized)
  • Where damage occurred on both cars
  • Skid marks in the road

Page 3 — violations and passengers

  • The top section of page three will include violations charged or citations issued by police
  • The middle part will include information on whether a car driver or commercial truck driver was in compliance with the law. This includes:
    • Driver’s license compliance
    • Alcohol or drug impairment by type (including roadside tests that were given)
  • The bottom section will include the names and contact information of up to four passengers

Page 4 — occupants, vehicle type, and damage location

Page four of your report will include additional information pertaining to your crash. This includes:

  • Car and owner information, including contact information and insurance information
  • Whether a car was stolen, towed, driverless, legally parked or the crash was a hit-and-run
  • Types of vehicles involved (for example, car, motorcycle, or truck, etc.)
  • What each car was used for at the time of the crash (for example, taxi, police, military, or ambulance etc.)
  • Whether a car was disabled or still functional after the crash
  • Where damage occurred on each car
  • The sequence of events that led to the crash

Page 5 — the written narrative

This is where the investigating officer will provide a detailed, written narrative as to how he or she believed the crash occurred and who was at fault. This section will also include statements made by witnesses.

Click here for a visual reference to your five-page car accident report.

How to obtain your Kansas car accident report

You may obtain a copy of your Kansas car accident report online for a fee by visiting the Kansas Highway Patrol website. An experienced Kansas car accident attorney can also obtain a copy of your report. It’s absolutely critical that you review the details documented in your report. If anything is not documented accurately, the insurance company that represents the other driver can leverage it against your claim.

If any information is inaccurate, an attorney at Bretz & Young will work to fix it. We’ll also launch our own investigation to gather the evidence needed to support your claim and maximize your compensation.

Contact us online to schedule your free legal consultation.